Ghosts and happy hour in the same plan.

This Boo’s and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl blends Philly’s darker past with four real bar stops, with your guide weaving local ghost stories into the night. I like how it keeps moving but still gives you time to settle in, chat, and absorb the mood. And I especially like that the meeting point is at a landmark you’ll recognize fast, so you’re not hunting around Old City when you’re already a little nervous.

My other favorite part is the guide approach: you get well-researched, credible history plus spooky, authentic tales, not just random spooky noises. That said, there’s one catch to consider: drinks are not included, and the tour is rain or shine, so you’ll want to be ready to walk and stand for the whole 2-hour stretch.

Key things to know before you go

• Four specific watering holes: Independence Beer Garden, JJ Bootleggers, The Plough & the Stars, and The Revolution House
• Time at each stop varies (about 15 to 60 minutes) so the night feels flexible, not rushed
• Your guide sets the tone with a lantern and a black US Ghost Adventures shirt
• You order your own drinks at each place, and ID is required for alcohol
• Good for a quick night out: tour runs 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, then you’re free to keep exploring

A 2-hour mix of Philadelphia lore and bar-hopping

If you like your history with a side of creepy, this is a fun way to spend an evening in Philadelphia. You’re not just walking past old buildings. You’re stopping at places where people actually hang out, then hearing stories tied to what’s around you.

The format is simple: you meet up, follow your guide between locations, and get a mix of spooky history at each stop. You can lean in for the stories or take a breather between scenes. Either way, the pace is built for a night out that stays social without turning into a long, exhausting ordeal.

Meeting outside Independence Beer Garden, with lantern in hand

You start right where it makes sense: outside Independence Beer Garden at 100 S Independence Mall West. The guide wears a black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carries a lantern, which instantly tells you this isn’t a standard walking tour.

Plan to arrive about 15 minutes early. That buffer matters because you’ll check in, get oriented, and settle before the group starts moving. Also, the tour is not recommended if you can’t walk more than a mile, so comfortable shoes are not optional. Rain or shine means you’ll still be doing this even if the sky has other plans.

One practical note: the tour isn’t set up for mobility impairments. If walking and uneven sidewalk time could be an issue for you, it’s better to choose a different style of night activity.

Stop-by-stop: Independence Beer Garden sets the haunted tone

The first stop is The Independence Beer Garden, which gives you a familiar anchor at the start of the night. Independence-area Philly has a way of feeling both important and slightly ominous after dark, and this location fits the vibe.

You’ll hear the kind of stories that connect the city’s past to the buildings and streets around you. The tour doesn’t promise jump scares. Instead, it leans into atmosphere: why people remember certain spots, what legends attach to them, and how the city’s history can feel spooky when you’re standing under night lighting.

This is also where you can meet the group and get a rhythm for the crawl. If you’re new to ghost tours, this first bar stop is a gentle way to get comfortable with the format.

JJ Bootleggers: old-world stories with a more lived-in feel

Next, you head to JJ Bootleggers. The tour shifts tone a bit here. You still get the same theme—ghosts, boos, and the darker side of Philadelphia—but the bar setting feels different, so the stories land in a new way.

This stop is about contrast. If the first location feels like you’ve started in the history zone, then JJ Bootleggers feels more like you’ve slid into the present, where the past is just sitting underneath daily life. That balance is part of what makes the crawl work: it’s not only about spooky facts. It’s about experiencing Philly like a night person, not only a daytime tourist.

You’ll usually spend somewhere between 15 and 60 minutes at each stop. On this one, use that time well. Order what you’ll actually enjoy, then give the guide your attention when the story turns.

The Plough & the Stars: spooky tales in a classic setting

Then it’s off to The Plough & the Stars. This is the kind of place that naturally supports the mood. Even without any ghost stories, it tends to feel like a setting where legends would have room to breathe.

Here, you’ll keep hearing stories tied to Philly’s haunted past. The tour is built around the idea that each stop has its own personality, so you’re not hearing the same tale in a different font. It’s more like chapters: same theme, different scene.

I like this stop because it feels like it slows you down just enough. You can step away for a minute, check in with the group, and come back ready for another story beat. If your night is getting a little too crowded or you’re not sure what to listen for, this is the moment to reset.

The Revolution House: where the night gets sharper

The final bar stop is The Revolution House. This is the place where the tour’s “history with teeth” energy can feel the most focused. Revolution-era Philadelphia sits in the background of a lot of the city’s legends, and this location gives your guide a strong foundation for chilling tales.

By the time you arrive here, you’ll understand the tour pattern. You’ll know when to lean in, when to order, and when to just soak up the vibe. The guide shares stories between the venues too, so you’re not only hearing things while sitting. You’re also picking up context as you move through the city’s darker corners.

You finish up with the kind of lingering feeling ghost stories are supposed to create. Not dread for its own sake. More like curiosity that follows you out the door.

How the drinking works (and how to avoid a buzz-kill)

Food and drinks are not included. You’ll order on your own at each venue, whether that’s a local brew, a cocktail, or something softer. That’s actually a big part of the value here: you control what you spend and what you drink.

Because alcohol is part of the picture, bring your ID. You’ll need a valid ID to purchase alcohol. They accept ID card copies, which helps if you’re trying to travel light, but I’d still keep your original handy if you have it.

Also, the tour doesn’t allow smoking and doesn’t allow video recording. It’s not a debate thing. It’s a rules thing. Plan to experience it live, not through a screen.

Price and value: $30 for four stops and guided spooky storytelling

At $30 per person for a 2-hour tour, the cost is relatively straightforward. You’re paying for the guide, the structure, and the jump from random ghost legend to a more organized night of stories.

Four stops in two hours means you’re getting more than a single bar session. And because the guide is providing well-researched and credible history, you’re not just buying atmosphere. You’re buying interpretation—why certain stories stick, and why they attach to particular places.

The main value factor you should watch is this: you still pay for drinks. If you plan to keep costs low, pick one drink at each stop or choose something cheaper and pace yourself. If you’re the type who orders a cocktail every time, factor that into your budget. The tour price gets you the guided experience, not a stocked bar tab.

What the guides bring: stories that feel personal and practical

This is a story-led tour, but it’s not only about being spooky. The best part is how the guide ties the tales to the real locations you’re standing in.

One guide named Loren earned strong praise for bringing people to new historic sites and telling great stories, including personal experiences. That matters because personal touches make the night feel less like a script read off a wall and more like a live conversation.

Even better, the stories connect to what you can see around you. That’s what helps the “haunted” aspect feel grounded, not random. You’re not only hearing facts—you’re getting a reason those facts and legends belong to this city.

Timing and pacing: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with flexible stop lengths

The crawl starts at 7:00 PM and wraps around 9:00 PM. That two-hour window is ideal for a night out that doesn’t steal your whole evening.

You’ll spend about 15 to 60 minutes at each venue depending on the day and season. That range can be good or annoying depending on what you prefer. If you love deeper hangs, you may wish it leaned toward the longer end more often. If you like variety, the shorter stop times keep the night from dragging.

Between locations, the guide tells stories as you walk. So even if one stop feels quick, you’re still getting the tour experience while moving.

What to bring so the night stays fun

You’ll be walking around Old City and sitting inside bars. So pack for both:

• Comfortable shoes (your feet will be doing most of the work)
• Weather-appropriate clothing since it runs rain or shine
• Your ID if you want to order alcohol

Also, keep expectations clear. This isn’t a high-tech experience. It’s a guide-led night with a lantern, stories, and the option to buy drinks.

Who should book this crawl (and who should skip it)

This tour is a good fit if you want a low-pressure way to see a chunk of Philadelphia at night. It’s also great if you like ghost stories that come with real context and you don’t mind mixing folklore with city landmarks.

It might not be the best choice if you:

• Need lots of seated time or can’t walk more than about a mile
• Have mobility limitations that would make bar-hopping difficult
• Want food included (this one is drinks-only on your own)
• Prefer a quiet, solo experience (this is social by design)

If you’re traveling with friends or you just want something fun and different from the standard sightseeing loop, this delivers.

Should you book this Boo’s and Booze haunted pub crawl?

I’d book it if you’re the type who enjoys spooky stories, likes history that feels tied to real street corners, and wants a night activity that runs on a clean schedule. The structure is tight: four stops, a lantern-carrying guide, and a clear end time so you can keep exploring after.

I’d skip it if walking is an issue for you or if you want food and drinks bundled into the price. For everyone else, it’s a fun way to mix local legend with an actual bar scene, without turning it into a full-night commitment.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Meet your guide outside Independence Beer Garden at 100 S Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA.

What time does the tour run?

The crawl starts at 7:00 PM and ends at 9:00 PM.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes the 2-hour haunted pub crawl, a knowledgeable guide, and well-researched, credible history with authentic local ghost stories.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and you’ll order what you want at each venue.

Do I need ID to buy alcohol?

Yes. You must show a valid ID to purchase alcohol, and a copy is accepted.

Does the tour run in the rain?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine.

Is video recording or smoking allowed?

No. Video recording is not allowed, and smoking is not allowed.